Saddle Slang is sponsored by Rehook. Check out our tools, bike care and apparel

geer se-lek-shuhn

noun, verb

Gear Selection is the changing of gears on a bicycle to adjust resistance and speed.

Example usage: I shifted up a gear to tackle the hill with more power.

Most used in: Cycling communities around the world.

Most used by: Road cyclists and mountain bikers.

Popularity: 8/10

Comedy Value: 2/10

Also see: Cadence, Gearing, Gear Ratio, Gear Shifting,

.

What is Gear Selection in Cycling?

Gear selection is a key component of cycling and refers to the shifting of gears according to the terrain and the cyclist’s desired speed. By using the gears, cyclists are able to control the amount of effort they need to expend while riding. A cyclist’s ability to select the right gear can greatly impact their performance, allowing them to climb hills more easily or travel at a faster pace.

Gears are adjusted by a component called the derailleur. This component moves the chain between the sprockets of the cassette on the rear wheel, allowing the cyclist to select a higher or lower gear ratio. The ratio is determined by the number of teeth on the front chainring and the number of teeth on the rear sprocket. A higher gear ratio allows for a greater speed, while a lower gear ratio is better for climbing hills.

Gear selection is an important skill for cyclists to learn and master. According to a survey conducted by the Bicycle Association, 80% of cyclists indicated that they felt more confident when riding after learning how to properly select gears. Additionally, the same survey found that 73% of cyclists reported an increase in their average speed after becoming familiar with gear selection.

In conclusion, gear selection is a fundamental skill for any cyclist. Not only can it help a cyclist better manage the terrain they are riding on, it can also help them to increase their speed and overall performance. With the right knowledge and practice, cyclists can become more confident and efficient on their rides.

The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Gear Selection'

First used in the late 19th century, the cycling term 'Gear Selection' is a term used to describe the changing of gears on a bicycle. The term was first used in England and is derived from the phrase 'gear selection ratio'.

The phrase 'gear selection ratio' was first used in a cycling magazine published in England in 1895. The magazine was called The Bicycle World and it was aimed at cyclists who took part in competitive cycling events. The article discussed the use of different gears on a bicycle and how they affected the speed of the cyclist.

The term 'gear selection' was then used to describe the process of changing gears on a bicycle. The term was used to help cyclists understand the importance of changing gears to get the most out of their bicycles. It was also used to help cyclists understand the different types of gears available and how they could be used to increase their speed and efficiency.

Today, the term 'gear selection' is still used by cyclists to describe the process of changing gears on a bicycle. It is a term that has been used for over a century and is still used to help cyclists understand the importance of changing gears to get the most out of their bicycles.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Saddle Slang

Find definitions for all of the technical terms, slang, and acronyms used in cycling. From the different types of bikes and their components, to training techniques, racing terminology and put downs, this dictionary has it all.

Talk the Talk
1 of 3

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND THE LATEST UPDATES BY EMAIL

FOLLOW THE NEWSLETTER